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Protein Chia Pudding is a high-protein breakfast idea you’ll love! No protein powder is required, and it’s easy to meal prep for a fast morning.
If you’re unfamiliar with chia pudding, it’s a popular gluten-free breakfast that is high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. This version is made with Greek yogurt, which adds a creamy texture and extra protein to each bite.
When you top it with fresh strawberries or blueberries, it tastes similar to cheesecake!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chia pudding is typically made with 3 ingredients: chia seeds, sweetener, and a liquid to help the seeds plump up. This recipe also incorporates plain Greek yogurt for a higher protein option.
dairy-free note
You can make this dairy-free by using dairy-free yogurt and non-dairy milk. Soy milk has a similar protein profile to cow’s milk (with 7 to 8 grams of protein per cup) but unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk will provide less protein. So keep that in mind!
This recipe is easy to customize with toppings, which can add even more protein. Add a drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter on top, plus fresh berries for extra fiber. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts or granola for crunch.
Make High-Protein Chia Pudding
For each chia pudding serving, you’ll need a 12-ounce mason jar with a lid. These can be stored for up to four days, so make as many jars as you’ll need in that time frame.
To make a single batch of chia protein pudding, combine:
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
Use a small whisk to stir the ingredients together. The whisk will help prevent the chia seeds from clumping together.
Let the chia pudding rest for 5 minutes, then stir again with the whisk.
Detoxinista Tip
To make a larger batch, you can mix several servings in a mixing bowl with a full-size whisk. Once it has thickened, you can divide the mixture evenly into meal prep containers later.
Place a lid on the jar of chia pudding, then store it in the fridge to chill overnight. (If you’re in a hurry for a snack, it will thicken enough to eat in 20 minutes or so.)
When you’re ready to eat, grab a jar from the fridge and remove the lid.
Then, add your favorite toppings and dig in! Add a drizzle of nut butter and fresh berries or a few chocolate chips to make it more of a treat.
Looking for more high-protein breakfasts? Try Cottage Cheese Pancakes, Protein Smoothie (without protein powder!), and Tofu Scramble for more options.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ cup soy milk (or milk of choice)
Instructions
- In a 12-ounce glass jar, combine the chia seeds, yogurt, maple syrup, and milk. Use a small whisk to stir everything well. Repeat this process if you want to make more than one serving for meal prep.
- Chia pudding benefits from being mixed twice. Let the jar rest for a few minutes, then whisk again to prevent the seeds from clumping together. Then, secure the lid and store it in the fridge overnight. (Or for at least 20 minutes for a faster meal.)
- When you're ready to eat, grab the jar from the fridge and remove the lid. Give the pudding a stir and add any toppings you love. The pudding will have a thick texture; add an extra splash of milk if you prefer a loose texture. Chia pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Notes
Want to add protein powder? You can experiment with adding 1 tablespoon at a time. In that case, you’ll probably need more liquid, too. I tried adding 2 tablespoons of unsweetened protein powder to this and thought it was gross, so I stuck to Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
If you try this Protein Chia Pudding, please leave a comment and star rating below, letting me know how you like it.
